Why You Should use condoms and Ditch Birth Control Before Pregnancy

Conversations about sexual health often get stuck in a tug-of-war between convenience, pleasure, and long-term wellness. Many people say they “don’t like using condoms,” yet also rely heavily on hormonal birth control until the moment they want to conceive. I’m Dr. Carli Blau, and I’m a Women’s Health and Infertility Expert and Sex Doctor. I can tell you that this mentality is incredibly problematic and part of why I believe infertility seems to be on such a rise.

What often gets missed is how our psychology shapes these choices—and why giving your body a break from birth control before trying to get pregnant can actually support your fertility and overall health. When did we get to a place in our lives that we truly believe we can have it all without the slightest bit of inconvenience?

The Psychology Behind Condom Resistance

1. Pleasure and Sensation

The most common reason people report not wanting to use condoms is the belief that condoms “reduce sensation” or interrupt intimacy. For many, the physical difference becomes a mental block, making them associate condoms with less pleasure.

2. Perception of Trust

In relationships, especially long-term ones, not using condoms can feel like a sign of closeness or trust. Couples often equate “condom-free” with commitment, which reinforces resistance—even if it means relying on hormonal methods alone.

3. Spontaneity and Mood

Condoms require a pause in the sexual flow, which some interpret as disruptive. When passion is high, couples may skip them to avoid interrupting the moment.

4. Stigma and Social Narratives

From media to peer influence, condoms are often portrayed as “necessary but unsexy.” This cultural narrative makes many people view condoms as a last resort, rather than a tool for shared responsibility and protection.

5. Parnter pressure “I don’t like condoms”

It’s so frustrating when I hear that the reason why women don’t want to come off birth control is not because of their own decision or choice, but because their male partners don’t like using condoms. Infertility treatment is not easy on the mind or body, and is being used today like Tylenol. It’s wildly disappointing to see women compromise their body’s functionality for the sake of their male partners penile comfort. Think about that for a minute — or two.

Are there Hidden Benefits of Stepping Off Birth Control Before Trying to Conceive?

While avoiding condoms may feel easier in the moment, the bigger fertility picture is often overlooked. Research suggests it can take several months for the menstrual cycle, hormones, and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis to recalibrate after long-term use of hormonal birth control.

A 1–2 Year Break Can Help: Dr. Carli Blau and her team of clinicians are certified in Women’s Hormone Health and can help you manage your hormones and the way you feel!

• Hormonal Balance: The pituitary gland, which signals your ovaries, may need time to return to natural rhythm.

• Cycle Tracking: Being off birth control gives you a chance to observe your natural cycle—ovulation patterns, luteal phase length, and other markers of fertility.

• Nutrient Repletion: Hormonal birth control can deplete nutrients like B vitamins, magnesium, and zinc, which are critical for conception and pregnancy.

• Stress Regulation: The HPA axis influences cortisol and stress response. When it’s balanced, it supports ovulation and reproductive health.

Why Condoms Matter in This Transition

Here’s where condoms come back into the picture: they provide effective pregnancy prevention while allowing your body to recalibrate naturally. Instead of jumping straight from hormonal birth control into trying to conceive, using condoms during this “off period” can give your reproductive system time to reset—without risking an unplanned pregnancy. This period off birth control can also give you insight into when you’re ovulating, how long your cycle is and give you the information you need to potentially naturally concieve in your future.

As a Sex Doctor, I can tell you that people resist condoms for psychological and relational reasons, but reframing their role can be powerful. Condoms are not just about prevention—they’re a bridge that allows your body to rest from hormones, restore balance, and prepare for a healthy conception journey.

If you’re considering pregnancy in the next couple of years, talk with your provider about a hormone-free transition. Your body, pituitary, and HPA axis may thank you later—and condoms can be a key part of that plan.